At Applied Pressure, we do massage therapy differently. We call ourselves the Anti-Spa for a reason: forget Swedish massage, our goal isn’t to pamper you with fluff, but to deliver impactful results with our deep, effective bodywork that moves the needle on your health.  Located in the heart of the Twin Cities near Minneapolis, we are achieving long-lasting results for our clients.  You have to experience this to fully appreciate it. We look forward to introducing you to Applied Pressure! 

We specialize in a seamless combination of space, creating deep tissue massage + Myofascial Release + ashiatsu.  We create space in your tissue and restore posture, using our hands, elbows and feet!  Our Minneapolis clients rely on us to experience long-lasting relief, not just 60 minutes of “feel good”.

Our sessions are customized and impactful, designed to meet the needs of those who are searching for “something more” from a massage. Whether you're simply wanting to feel better,  recovering from injury, managing chronic pain, or trying to improve your physical performance, our bodyworkers are trained to help you get results.

Why Choose Applied Pressure?

At Applied Pressure, our focus is on delivering precision-driven, therapeutic massage that addresses the true source of your discomfort. (We call this “Treatment Bodywork”.)  Instead of aromatherapy & soft lighting, you’ll find a team that prioritizes structural integrity, body mechanics, and advanced manual techniques. Every massage therapist in our studio that serves Minneapolis is trained to assess and adjust their approach based on your individual needs.

What Sets Us Apart:

• Tailored Treatments: Each session is uniquely customized to match your body’s current condition, tension and facial patterns—no one-size-fits-all approach here.
• Expert Integration: We blend deep tissue + myofascial release/rolfing + Ashiatsu for comprehensive care.
• Tool Versatility: Our therapists are trained to use everything from hands and forearms to knees and feet—whatever tool delivers the best result.
• Skilled Sensitivity: Our practitioners possess an intuitive touch, sharpened by a lengthy apprenticeship training under Dena, the founder of Applied Pressure, to ensure pressure is therapeutic and effective.
• Sustainable Outcomes: We aim to create lasting change, not just temporary relaxation, so you leave each session with real, measurable relief.

The Power of Myofascial Release in Minneapolis

Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs. When it becomes tight, inflamed, or restricted, it can cause pain, limit mobility, and throw off your alignment. At Applied Pressure, Myofascial Release is a foundational part of our Minneapolis massage sessions.

Unlike typical deep tissue massage that compresses muscle bellies, we use expansive pressure to create space in the body. And unlike traditional Myofascial techniques that wait endlessly for tissues to soften, our therapists use precise, confident techniques to get faster, more impactful results.

We target origin points and connective seams to encourage your body to realign naturally. This allows for a deeper release and greater healing capacity.

What Our Myofascial Release Offers:

• Restoration of space and “breathing room” for blood and lymphatic flow
• Increased circulation and oxygen delivery to deeper tissues
• Relief from tension, tightness, and chronic pain
• Better flexibility, range of motion, and freedom of movement
• Long-term improvements in posture and alignment
• A reconnection with your body’s natural ability to heal

Who We Serve

Our massage therapy clients in Minneapolis and St. Paul come from all walks of life.

Examples include:

• Office workers dealing with repetitive strain or poor ergonomics
• Dental professionals and others with physically demanding jobs
• New parents carrying and nursing children in awkward postures
• Athletes recovering from training stress or overuse
• Individuals experiencing chronic, unexplained pain
• Anyone wanting to feel better

Our work bridges the gap between standard massage and advanced therapy. We’re proud to be a trusted referral partner for many local physical therapists and chiropractors.

Minneapolis Massage Therapist Services

Deep Tissue Massage

This is not your average relaxing massage. Our deep tissue sessions work through the layers of muscle to get to the root cause of pain and dysfunction. We adjust pressure and technique in real time to match your body’s needs.

Myofascial Release

Instead of gliding over the surface, we dive into fascia throughout the body, paying special attention to muscle origin points, creating space that allows for improved mobility and alignment.

Customized Sessions

Each body is different. Our sessions adapt moment to moment to meet your specific needs, using a combination of pressure, fascia work, stretching, and intuitive techniques.

What You Can Expect During Your First Appointment

Forget candles, essential oils, and robes. From the moment you arrive at Applied Pressure, you’ll know you’re somewhere different. Our goal isn’t comfort alone—it’s results.

During your visit:

• We begin with a verbal intake to identify your pain points and goals.
• Your session includes a mix of our tools—feet, forearms, elbows, thumbs—whatever your tissue needs.
• Expect to feel "good pain"—the kind that signals transformation, not harm.
• You’ll leave with recovery tips and guidance to extend the benefits of your treatment.

We won’t waste your time or talk your ear off. We get right to work.

Recommended Treatment Plans

To experience real change, we suggest an initial series of three sessions over three weeks. This allows your body to reset and adapt. After that, you can move to a maintenance schedule, most clients enjoy seeing us every month, bi-weekly, or as needed.

We work with people on different schedules and goals. Whether you want ongoing support or just need us when pain flares up, we’re here.

Our Trusted Community of Providers in the Twin Cities

Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we proudly recommend a network of professionals across the Minneapolis and St. Paul area to support your ongoing health. These are practitioners Dena personally trusts with her own body:

Physical Therapy

• ThriveHQ: Wellness-forward PT that puts you, not insurance, at the center
• Karen Juran: Postural Restoration specialist using PRI methods
• Motion PT: Focused, athletic therapy in St. Paul

Chiropractic 

• Bandana Chiropractic: Easy to access, fast + effective adjustments
• Atlas & Hejny Chiropractic: Gentle, precise spine work using the atlas (C1)

Fitness & Pilates Studios

• ONX + Amelia: Yoga, strength, and conditioning
• Defining You Fitness: Pilates for strength, grace, and flexibility
• Core Pilates: Mindful movement and equipment training

Other Wellness Allies

• Woodbury Eye Clinic: Where posture and vision are linked
• Hudson Spine & Health: Biohacking and regenerative therapy hub
• Sarah Kleiner: the best podcast/YouTube channel for true health that is nearly free to incorporate. Circadian and quantum-based health education.

We believe in a well-rounded, body-connected lifestyle. Your care doesn’t stop with us—we help you build your full healing ecosystem.

Who We're Not For

We’re honest about our limitations. Certain clients may benefit from different styles of therapy:

• Clients over 300 lbs: Due to equipment limits, we currently can’t safely accommodate these sessions.
• Competitive Powerlifters: Extremely dense, inflamed muscle can resist our techniques and potentially strain our therapists. We recommend gentler sports therapy modalities for these clients.

If we’re not the right fit, we’ll help point you toward someone who is.

Book Massage Therapy in Minneapolis Today

Applied Pressure is more than a massage studio. It’s a space where healing happens deeply and effectively. We take pride in being the Minneapolis massage therapists who actually make a difference—and in earning the trust of clients who drive across the city just to work with us.

Our mission is simple:

• Relieve your pain
• Improve your function
• Help your body realign and recover

Let us help your body do what it was built to do—heal, move, and thrive.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your appointment today and discover how effective massage therapy in Minneapolis can be.